CUMH Established as the First Robotic Gynaecological Epicentre in Europe

The Maternity Hospital at the Cork University (CUMH) has earned the distinction of being the First European Robotic Gynaecological Epicentre. Both cancer and non-cancer surgical procedures are being conducted at the hospital using advanced robotic techniques.

The robotic system that is used at the hospital is called the da Vinci Surgical system; it is an advanced robotic system that helps perform surgeries with minimum invasive action. The robotic program at the hospital was established in the year 2008 when the first ever gynaecological procedure with the aid of robotics was performed. There are three other epicentres in Europe. However, they specialise in treating either benign or cancer surgeries. The da Vinci system has a high-resolution three -dimensional stereo viewer, which offers the surgeons a clear and complete view of the procedure. The part to be operated is magnified and shown in a colour that enhances visibility. With the help of minute incisions the surgeon utilizes the master controls of the console and navigates the patient-side cart’s four robotic arms. These arms give accurate control of the instruments and the endoscopic camera is of a high-resolution. The robotic instruments are designed with a jointed-wrist design, which provides movement capabilities superior than a human hand. The outstanding feature of the system is the safety features it comes with, which minimize the risk due to human error greatly. The patients are benefitted through the system as it involves lesser pain and scarring as the incision made is very small. Other advantages are minimum blood loss, less infection risk and faster recovery after the surgery.